10-K 1 a09-1390_110k.htm 10-K

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-K

 

x        ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008

 

OR

 

o        TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from              to            

 

Commission file number 1-11388

 


 

PLC Systems Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Yukon Territory, Canada

 

04-3153858

(State or other jurisdiction of

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

incorporation or organization)

 

 

 

 

 

10 Forge Park, Franklin, Massachusetts

 

02038

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

(508) 541-8800

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

 

Common stock, no par value
(Title of class)

 


 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes 
o  No x

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes o  No x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x  No o

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer o

 

Accelerated filer o

Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

Smaller reporting company x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes o   No x

 

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the last sale price for such stock on June 30, 2008, was $10,151,731.  As of March 16, 2009, 30,351,092 shares of common stock, no par value per share, were outstanding.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement, which will be issued in connection with the 2009 Annual Meeting  of Shareholders, are incorporated by reference in Part III of this annual report on Form 10-K.

 

 

 



 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This annual report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).  Statements containing terms such as “believes”, “plans”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “estimates” and similar expressions contain uncertainty and are forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements are based on current plans and expectations and involve known and unknown important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.  Such important factors and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:

 

·                  We expect to incur significant net losses in future quarters, at least through 2010;

·                  We may be unable to raise needed capital to implement our business plan and/or continue our operations in the future;

·                  We may never be able to commence our U.S. pivotal clinical trial to study RenalGuard to determine if it is safe and effective in preventing contrast-induced nephropathy;

·                  We may never be successful in obtaining pre-market approval from the U.S Food and Drug Administration to market RenalGuard in the U.S.;

·                  We may never be successful in establishing a broad distribution channel for RenalGuard in the European Union, and any distribution channel we may establish may never generate sufficient sales for us to attain profitability;

·                  Our ability to effectively market RenalGuard in the European Union is largely dependent on obtaining favorable results from an outside sponsored clinical trial of RenalGuard underway at the Cardiologico Centrino Monzino (CCM) – University of Milan; however, we have no assurance that the CCM trial will ever produce clinically significant or meaningful results or that it will be completed in a timely fashion or at all;

·                  Our RenalGuard system has only had limited testing in a clinical setting and we may need to modify it substantially in the future for it to be commercially acceptable;

·                  Any potential future modifications required to make RenalGuard commercially acceptable may result in substantial additional costs and/or market introduction delays;

·                  We are currently dependent on one principal product line, the TMR Heart Laser System, and one principal customer, Novadaq, to generate revenues for us; and

·                  We believe it is unlikely that we will be able to grow our TMR revenues in the near term and we additionally believe it is likely that over time our TMR revenues will decline, making our future prospects highly dependent on the successful commercialization of RenalGuard.

 



 

PART I

 

Item 1.                       Business

 

Overview

 

We are a medical device company specializing in innovative technologies for the cardiac and vascular markets.  We pioneered and manufacture the CO2 Heart Laser System that cardiac surgeons use to perform carbon dioxide (CO2) transmyocardial revascularization, or TMR, to alleviate symptoms of severe angina. We also manufacture CO2 surgical laser tubes and provide contract assembly services on general purpose CO2 lasers, which we sell to a single customer on an original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) basis.

 

In addition, we have begun initial commercialization in the European Union (“EU”) of our newest product, RenalGuard®. RenalGuard is designed to reduce the potentially toxic effects that contrast media can have on the kidneys when it is administered to patients during certain medical imaging procedures. It is believed that allowing contrast media to dwell in the kidneys can lead to contrast-induced nephropathy (“CIN”), a potentially deadly form of acute kidney injury. By inducing and maintaining a high urine flow rate before, during and after these medical imaging procedures, we believe the incidence rates of CIN in at-risk patients can be reduced. RenalGuard facilitates this increased urine clearance, enabling the body to more rapidly void the contrast media, thereby reducing its overall resident time and toxic effects in the kidney.

 

We received full U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) approval to conduct our first human clinical trial utilizing RenalGuard under an investigational device exemption (“IDE”). This pilot clinical trial was designed to evaluate the safety of RenalGuard and its ability to accurately measure and balance fluid inputs and outputs on patients undergoing a catheterization imaging procedure where contrast media would be administered.  In February 2008, we submitted an IDE supplement to the FDA seeking approval to move from this pilot study to a pivotal clinical trial to study the safety and effectiveness of RenalGuard in the prevention of CIN. In March 2008, the FDA granted us conditional approval to begin this pivotal study; however, in July 2008 we announced we were deferring commencement of this study until such time as we could successfully raise additional capital necessary to complete the study. We subsequently received full approval from the FDA to conduct our pivotal study under a trial design that would enroll 406 patients at up to 30 sites in the U.S. We need to successfully complete this study and obtain FDA pre-market approval before we are able to market RenalGuard in the U.S.

 

We are also supporting an investigator-sponsored randomized controlled trial utilizing RenalGuard that is being conducted at the Centro Cardiologico Monzino-University (“CCM”) in Milan, Italy. The CCM trial is designed to determine the effectiveness of RenalGuard in preventing CIN in at-risk patients. We hope that the data from the CCM clinical trial will enable us to raise the additional capital necessary to both start and complete the U.S. pivotal study.

 

RenalGuard is currently approved for sale in the EU as a general fluid balancing device. The RenalGuard System consists of a proprietary, closed loop, software-controlled console and accompanying single-use sets that can be used by physicians and nurses to manage patient fluid levels. RenalGuard operates by first collecting and measuring patient urine outputs and then in real-time precisely matches these urine outputs with a prescribed replacement fluid by means of intravenous infusion. With its automated matched fluid replacement capability, RenalGuard is intended to minimize the risk to patients of over- or under-hydration while also eliminating to a large degree what can otherwise be an intensive and time consuming manual fluid balancing task for physicians and nurses.

 

We are establishing a distribution network in the EU with the intent to market RenalGuard for general fluid balancing applications.

 

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The CO2 Heart Laser System

 

TMR is performed by a cardiovascular surgeon, who uses a laser to create channels through the myocardium of the heart in an attempt to restore perfusion to areas of the heart not being reached by diseased or clogged arteries. This technique is used for relief of symptoms of severe angina in patients with ischemic heart disease not amenable to direct coronary revascularization interventions, such as angioplasty, stenting or coronary artery bypass grafting (bypass surgery). In addition to providing new direct pathways for blood to reach the ischemic myocardium, the creation of TMR channels is also believed to promote angiogenesis, the development of new blood vessels.

 

In August 1998, we received approval from the FDA to market our first generation CO2 Heart Laser, the HL1, throughout the U.S.  We were the first company to receive FDA approval to commercialize a product to perform TMR. In January 2001, we received approval from the FDA to market our smaller and lighter second generation CO2 Heart Laser, the HL2.

 

Each TMR procedure requires a sterile, single-use TMR kit containing assorted TMR handpieces, drapes and other disposable items. The HL1 and HL2 lasers each require this TMR kit as part of the system.  The same TMR kit may be used with either the HL1 or HL2 laser.  The combination of either an HL1 or an HL2 with a TMR kit is referred to throughout this annual report as the Heart Laser System.

 

We manufacture the Heart Laser Systems at our facility in Franklin, Massachusetts.

 

Cardiovascular Disease and Current Therapies

 

According to the Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics – 2009 Update, or 2009 HSSU, which was published by the American Heart Association, an estimated 80 million Americans suffer from one or more types of cardiovascular disease, with an estimated 16.8 million suffering from coronary heart disease and 9.8 million suffering from angina pectoris (chest pain). This represents an increase over similar statistics published in the 2008 HSSU, when it was reported that an estimated 16 million Americans suffer from coronary heart disease and 9.1 million suffer from angina pectoris.

 

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., resulting in approximately 34% of the 2,426,000 deaths in 2006, or 1 of every 2.9 deaths in the U.S.  The American Heart Association estimates that the direct and indirect costs of cardiovascular disease in 2009 will be approximately $475 billion.

 

Angina – Current Treatments

 

Angina is the medical term used to describe the chest pain or discomfort that an individual can experience when the heart does not receive an adequate supply of oxygen-rich blood. This can occur when the arteries supplying blood flow to the heart muscle become partially blocked or narrowed by the accumulation of fatty deposits known as plaque. This condition, where plaque progressively builds up in the interior walls of the arteries, resulting in reduced blood flow to the myocardium, ischemia and angina, is known as coronary atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the principal form of cardiovascular disease and the primary cause of heart attacks.   Traditional treatment of atherosclerosis as a means to improve blood flow to the heart includes drug therapy, angioplasty, stenting and bypass surgery.

 

Drug therapy alleviates some of the symptoms of atherosclerosis, but is often ineffective in serious cases. Angioplasty is a less invasive treatment for arteriosclerosis than bypass surgery. The most common form of angioplasty involves inserting a catheter with a balloon at the tip into a diseased artery.  By inflating the balloon at the site of blockage, the arterial plaque can be pressed against the arterial walls and reshaped, resulting in increased blood flow and decreased angina symptoms. According to the 2009 HSSU, an estimated 1,313,000 angioplasty procedures were performed in the U.S. in 2006.

 

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Metallic stents were developed to help prevent abrupt closures that sometimes occur after angioplasty.  These stents are inserted into the artery after balloon angioplasty to hold the expanded plaque in place.  Because they are less traumatic and less costly, stenting procedures are preferred over bypass surgery when the blockages are not complicated and involve few coronary arteries.  While offering certain benefits compared to bypass surgery, some studies suggest restenosis, or the reclosure of the stented portion of the artery over time, is a serious problem.  A new generation of stents that are coated with drugs targeted at preventing restenosis have shown some success.  Studies have shown significant reduction in restenosis when these drug-eluting stents are used. However, the results of a recent clinical study, the COURAGE trial, showed that, for those patients with stable angina, there was no long term mortality difference between drug-eluting stents and medical management. Other recent clinical studies of drug-eluting stents have shown an increased risk of long term stent thrombosis complications when these devices are used.

 

Conventional bypass surgery involves cutting open the patient’s chest, cutting through the sternum, usually connecting the patient to a heart-lung machine, stopping the heart, attaching a vein or artery removed from another part of the patient’s body to create a bypass around the diseased blood vessel and restarting the heart. According to the 2009 HSSU, an estimated 448,000 coronary artery bypass procedures were performed on 253,000 patients in  the U.S. in 2006 (down from an estimated 469,000 bypass procedures performed on 261,000 patients in the U.S. in 2005). Certain patients, however, are not suited for bypass procedures, including some who have previously undergone bypass surgery, patients with extremely diffuse diseases, patients with vessels that are too small to graft, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, some patients with diabetes, and others who are considered too ill to survive surgery.

 

We believe that TMR using the Heart Laser System is useful as a treatment for patients who have severe, stable angina and who are no longer candidates for either angioplasty or bypass surgery because of either extensive disease or small coronary arteries.  The FDA has approved the Heart Laser Systems for such patients.

 

TMR as a sole therapy is designed to be less invasive and less expensive than traditional bypass surgery, and may avoid the restenosis problem common with bypass surgery and balloon angioplasty by not targeting the coronary arteries for treatment.

 

TMR Using the Heart Laser Systems

 

The main challenge in treating atherosclerosis is to allow adequate blood to flow to the heart muscle without significantly damaging the heart.  The techniques described above are used to bypass, reopen or widen blocked or narrowed arteries and can eventually fail due to restenosis or natural disease progression. TMR using the Heart Laser Systems involves a different technique whereby channels are created in the myocardium as a means of supplying oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricular chamber into the ischemic myocardium.  TMR does not target the coronary arteries for treatment.

 

Heart muscle must be constantly supplied with oxygen in order to function effectively.  Oxygen is delivered to the myocardium by blood, which is distributed to the myocardium through the right and left coronary arteries.  If these arteries are narrowed or blocked as a result of atherosclerosis, sufficient oxygen-rich blood may be unable to reach the heart to satisfy the metabolic demands of the myocardium. Cardiovascular disease eventually may cause myocardial ischemia, often evidenced by severe and debilitating angina caused by lack of oxygen to the heart muscle, which can progress to myocardial infarction (the death of an area of the heart muscle).  Advanced multi-vessel ischemic heart disease is typically treated with bypass surgery.

 

During a sole therapy TMR procedure, the patient is given general anesthesia and an incision is made in the patient’s side between the ribs, exposing the heart.  The Heart Laser Systems are synchronized with the patient’s heartbeat, firing only when the left ventricle is filled with blood and is electrically insensitive.  We believe that synchronization may reduce the risk of arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) and their associated morbidity and mortality. Research studies conducted by the Texas Heart Institute in animal models indicated that performing TMR without synchronization may be associated with an increase in life threatening arrhythmias.  The synchronization

 

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technology is covered under a patent that we own.  The Heart Laser Systems are capable of creating a transmural channel in less than 0.1 second with a single laser pulse in a patient whose heart has not been stopped and who has not been placed on a heart-lung bypass machine.  The surgeon can vary the pulse width of the laser using a touch key control panel to accommodate for the thickness of the patient’s heart wall.  Transesophageal echocardiography is used to confirm that complete channels are made by the laser.  Generally, 15 to 25 new channels are created during the procedure.

 

We believe that, in addition to providing new temporary direct pathways for blood to reach the ischemic myocardium, the creation of transmural channels using the Heart Laser Systems also promotes angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels. We believe angiogenesis is the primary mechanism of action of TMR and the reason why patients who have undergone a TMR procedure have shown sustained angina relief.

 

Potential Benefits of TMR

 

Based on clinical results to date, we believe that TMR using the Heart Laser Systems provides a number of benefits, although no assurance can be given that any of the mentioned benefits will be received by patients and no assurance can be given that the FDA will approve additional indications for use of the Heart Laser Systems or that the FDA will not withdraw or alter its current approval.  These potential benefits include:

 

Therapy for Patients Not Suitable for Coronary Bypass.  The FDA has approved the use of the Heart Laser Systems for patients who have stable angina (Canadian Cardiovascular Society Class III or IV) refractory to medical treatment and secondary to objectively demonstrated coronary artery atherosclerosis and with a region of the myocardium not amenable to direct coronary revascularization.

 

Potentially Reduced Hospital Readmission Costs.  We believe that TMR is a cost effective treatment based on studies indicating that patients who receive TMR have fewer readmissions to the hospital for chest pain than those who receive only drug therapy.

 

Potential Angiogenic Response Stimulator.  With additional clinical research, TMR therapy potentially could be found to be synergistic with delivered growth factors, which may prove useful in treating patients with coronary artery disease.

 

RenalGuard Program

 

Our near term focus is to (1) establish a broader distribution network in the EU and other select countries outside the EU where we can market RenalGuard, (2) assist these independent distributors in their efforts to sell RenalGuard and (3) support the investigators at the CCM as they work to complete the enrollment of patients into their clinical study and subsequently publish the data gathered from the study.

 

We hope that the data obtained from the CCM study will then enable us to raise sufficient additional capital to both start and complete our U.S. clinical trial of RenalGuard, which is designed to determine whether RenalGuard is safe and effective in preventing CIN in patients who have some form of pre-existing renal impairment or other significant risk factors.  We believe if we can demonstrate through clinical studies that RenalGuard is safe and effective in preventing CIN in such patients that there will be substantial markets and revenue growth prospects for our RenalGuard System.

 

CIN

 

The diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease rely heavily on cardiovascular imaging.  Interventional cardiologists and radiologists are increasingly becoming involved at earlier stages in the management and treatment of patients suffering from cardiovascular disease, as noninvasive imaging and interventional treatment techniques, such as angioplasty procedures and stent placements, increase in demand and outpace the use of invasive surgical options.

 

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We estimate that approximately seven million cardiovascular diagnostic and interventional imaging procedures are performed worldwide each year.  These less invasive, image-guided medical procedures require the use of an iodine-based radiocontrast media, or dye, to facilitate the capture and display of x-ray images. These contrast agents are known to be toxic to the kidneys, whose main function is to filter and remove wastes and fluids, such as this dye, from the body. Patients who undergo a diagnostic or interventional imaging procedure and who present themselves with a certain level of pre-existing impaired renal (kidney) function are especially susceptible to the toxic effects of these contrast agents and to developing CIN.

 

We believe CIN is a major and growing problem due to the increasing number of older patients, diabetics and patients with pre-existing renal failure requiring interventional procedures that use radiographic contrast media.  It is the third most common cause of in-hospital acute renal failure. CIN is associated with increased in-hospital mortality rates, and increases in long-term mortality, major in-hospital adverse cardiac events, and risk of renal dialysis therapy.  Any of these can result in prolonged hospital stays and increased medical costs.  We believe that approximately 10% to 20% of all patients undergoing image-guided cardiology and radiology procedures are at risk of developing CIN. The estimated mortality rate for patients that develop CIN may be as high as 35%.

 

Potential Market Size

 

Based upon a market research study that was performed for us as well as other sources, we estimate that there are approximately 4 million diagnostic and interventional cardiology and radiology imaging procedures requiring the use of contrast agents that are performed annually in the U.S. alone.  Patients with other significant risk factors besides renal insufficiency, such as congestive heart failure, anemia, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes and being over the age of 75, are also at risk for developing CIN.  This population continues to grow. Specifically, the 2009 HSSU estimates that there were 171 million individuals with diabetes worldwide in 2000 and that number is projected to rise to 366 million by 2030.  Nearly 26 million people in the U.S. have chronic kidney disease (“CKD”) and another 20 million are at increased risk for CKD.

 

At-risk patients with renal insufficiency are easily identified with a routine blood analysis involving the level of a waste product in the blood called serum creatinine and an industry standard calculation called a creatinine clearance.  Creatinine clearance can be accurately calculated using serum creatinine concentration and some or all of the following variables: sex, age, weight and race, as suggested by the National Diabetes Association.  An increase in creatinine clearance is generally accepted as a good indicator of kidney disease.  CIN is usually defined as an increase in serum creatinine of 25% over baseline within four days of a procedure where contrast is administered.

 

Of the estimated 7 million diagnostic and interventional imaging procedures performed worldwide each year that involve the use of contrast agents, we believe that 15% of these cases, or approximately 1 million patients, could benefit from the use of our RenalGuard System and Therapy.

 

RenalGuard System and Therapy

 

RenalGuard is designed to reduce the toxic effects that contrast media can have on the kidneys, which may lead to a reduction in the incidence of CIN in at-risk patients.  RenalGuard Therapy® is based on existing published literature, including the industry-recognized PRINCE study, that supports the theory that inducing and maintaining high urine output through the kidneys allows the body to rapidly eliminate contrast, reducing its toxic effects.

 

Our RenalGuard System is a real-time measurement and matched fluid replacement device.  The system is comprised of a software-controlled, fluid balancing system and a console with a delivery mechanism for sterile replacement fluid, including detectors, monitors and alarms. It is a closed loop system where the urine produced by the patient through a standard Foley-type catheter is continuously measured. A unique sterile disposable kit is required for each procedure.

 

Our RenalGuard Therapy entails the use of a standard FDA-approved loop diuretic that induces the required high urine output that is measured and in real-time replaced with an equal volume of sterile solution, such as saline,

 

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by the RenalGuard System.  This matched fluid replacement is intended to minimize the risk of over- or under-hydration, which can lead to increased patient risks, including pulmonary edema — a swelling and/or fluid accumulation in the lungs which leads to impaired gas exchange and may cause respiratory failure.

 

Potential Benefits of RenalGuard

 

We are attempting to bring RenalGuard to market as the first product of its kind.  We believe it is a safe, innovative technology capable of achieving significant market adoption due to its evidence-based therapy and straightforward integration into hospital environments where contrast agents are routinely used.

 

Evidence-based Therapy

 

We have successfully completed supporting pre-clinical and human trials of our RenalGuard Therapy.  The aim of these studies was to determine if very high urine outputs with precise matching of intravascular volume significantly reduced the risk of CIN.

 

These feasibility studies have given us confidence in our proof of concept by concluding that high urine output with matched fluid replacement to maintain intravascular volume reduced the incidence of CIN.  These studies indicated a reduction in CIN relative to accepted predictive models and current literature for the patients studied, without the occurrence of any serious long-lasting adverse events.

 

Straightforward Hospital Integration

 

We believe RenalGuard can easily be integrated into hospital environments where contrast agents are routinely used.  It leverages existing hospital resources to protect at-risk patients within the current therapy window. RenalGuard is designed to be simple to operate and to have features that are similar to devices currently used by hospital staff.

 

Development Timeline

 

RenalGuard is currently an investigational device in the U.S.  In December 2006, we received full FDA approval to conduct our first human clinical trial utilizing RenalGuard under an IDE. This pilot clinical trial was designed to evaluate the safety of RenalGuard and the ability of our RenalGuard System to accurately measure and balance fluid inputs and outputs on up to 40 patients undergoing a catheterization imaging procedure where contrast media would be administered.

 

We enrolled a total of 23 patients in this pilot study. Based upon the positive safety data collected in the study and discussions we had with the FDA, we elected to stop enrolling new patients in the pilot study in November 2007.  We submitted an IDE supplement to the FDA in February 2008 seeking approval to move from our pilot study to a pivotal clinical trial to study the safety and effectiveness of RenalGuard in the prevention of CIN. In November 2008, the FDA granted us full approval to begin our pivotal study which, if we are successful in raising the necessary additional capital in the future to commence it, will enroll 406 patients at up to 30 U.S. sites.

 

Other Potential Markets

 

We plan to focus our short-term marketing efforts on the interventional cardiovascular and radiology markets and the reduction of CIN in imaging procedures requiring the use of contrast. In addition, we believe that our RenalGuard Therapy and System may be attractive to hospitals as an automated fluid balancing system which could be used in certain intensive patient monitoring settings within the hospital, such as the ICU, or where fluid management is critical, such as in post-kidney transplant patients where the replacement of fluid losses is necessary to avoid the risk of damage to the transplanted kidney.

 

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Current Treatment Methods for CIN

 

The only clinically accepted and endorsed preventive measure for patients at risk for CIN is pre- and post- procedure overnight hydration. There is currently no FDA-approved device or drug for CIN prevention. However, we believe that there are a number of other companies developing or investigating potential new CIN preventive drugs, devices and therapies.

 

Other preventive measures being used in clinical practice today include:

 

Mucomyst®

 

N-acetylcysteine (Mucomyst®) is both a renal vasodilator and antioxidant.  It is prescribed by a doctor prior to the start of an interventional procedure and is taken by the patient in prearranged doses that may start the day before the procedure.  This therapy is employed by most physicians due to an extremely low risk profile and cost.  Clinical data linking Mucomyst to a reduction in CIN is to date inconclusive.

 

Sodium bicarbonate

 

Sodium bicarbonate is a pre-mixed pharmaceutical solution that is given intravenously on the same day as the procedure, prior to the start.  Currently, there are only a small number of published studies that have evaluated utilizing sodium bicarbonate as a preventive measure.  There is some industry adoption of this measure to reduce the incidence of CIN simply due to the lack of expense and low risk to patients.

 

Device-Based Competition

 

In January 2009, AngioDynamics Inc. acquired certain assets of FlowMedica, Inc., including its Benephit® CV Infusion System, which is a catheter designed to deliver drugs and/or fluid directly to the renal arteries during an interventional procedure.  This system is FDA 510(k)-cleared and CE-marked for the infusion of physician-specified agents in the peripheral vasculature.  We believe market challenges for this approach may include concerns regarding complications of direct renal intervention and the cost of the catheter.

 

Sales and Marketing Strategy

 

TMR Products – Sales Channel

 

On March 20, 2007, we appointed Novadaq Corp. (“Novadaq”), a subsidiary of Novadaq Technologies Inc., to succeed Edwards Lifesciences LLC (“Edwards”) as our exclusive U.S. distributor for the HL2 and all TMR disposable procedure kits. Outside the U.S., we have established an independent distributor network to market our TMR products, although in some areas, principally Europe, we continue to sell our TMR products directly to hospitals.

 

 Novadaq is a medical device company that develops and commercializes medical imaging devices for use in the operating room.  Its proprietary SPY® Intra-operative Imaging System enables cardiac surgeons to visually assess coronary bypass graft functionality during the course of open-heart surgery by means of an intravenous administration of a fluorescent imaging agent, IC-Green™, coupled with a low-level infrared laser source. We believe Novadaq will continue to market our Heart Laser System and the TMR procedure as a treatment option to be used intra-operatively by the cardiac surgeon if the SPY Imaging System shows the surgeon that a bypass graft is not adequately providing new blood flow to a specific region of the heart as intended.

 

Novadaq currently employs a direct sales force that is responsible for marketing our TMR products along with its SPY Imaging System, as well as other imaging related product lines Novadaq markets for non-cardiac applications.

 

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International sales (by origin) accounted for 15% of our total revenue in 2008 and 3% in 2007.  We had no sales by origin in Canada, our jurisdiction of incorporation.

 

We sell our TMR products to both Novadaq and our international distributors at a discount off list price.

 

Marketing Programs

 

As the exclusive U.S. distributor of our TMR products, Novadaq determines the programs, including sale, lease, rental and usage-based offerings, that it believes will be most effective in the U.S. in selling our products to hospitals. Novadaq’s marketing efforts are directed primarily at cardiothoracic surgeons, whose influence is believed to be critical in a hospital’s decision to purchase our products.

 

Products and Customers

 

We currently sell and service one principal product line, the Heart Laser Systems, which accounted for approximately 85% and 87% of our revenues for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

Our U.S. distributor (Novadaq currently and Edwards prior to March 20, 2007) is our largest customer and accounted for 74% and 85% of our total revenues in the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. We expect this sales concentration with one customer to continue for the near future.

 

Manufacturing

 

We manufacture and test our products at our facility in Franklin, Massachusetts, approximately 40 miles west of Boston.  We believe that our manufacturing capacity will be sufficient to meet market demands anticipated in the coming year for all our products.

 

Our manufacturing facilities are subject to periodic inspection by regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with FDA and EU quality system regulations.

 

Government Regulation

 

The Heart Laser Systems and RenalGuard are subject to extensive regulation by the FDA and other regulatory authorities in the U.S. and abroad.  The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the “FDC Act”) and other federal and state statutes and regulations govern the research, design, development, manufacturing, preclinical and clinical testing, installation, storage, packaging, recordkeeping, servicing, labeling, distribution and promotion of medical devices in the U.S.  Our laser products are subject to additional FDA regulation under the radiation health and safety provisions of the FDC Act, which impose labeling and other safety requirements related to radiation hazards.

 

As a device manufacturer, we are also required to register with the FDA.  As such, we are subject to inspection on a routine basis for compliance with the FDA’s Quality Systems regulations.  These regulations require that we manufacture our products and maintain our documents in a prescribed manner with respect to manufacturing, testing and control activities.  Further, we are required to comply with various FDA requirements for reporting.  The FDC Act and medical device reporting regulations require that we provide information to the FDA on deaths or serious injuries alleged to have been caused or contributed to by the use of our products, as well as product malfunctions that would likely cause or contribute to death or serious injury if the malfunction were to recur.  The FDA also prohibits an approved device from being marketed for unapproved uses.  Our product promotion and advertising is subject to continuing FDA regulation.  Our laser products are subject to periodic inspection under the radiation health and safety provisions of the FDC Act for compliance with labeling and other safety regulations.  The failure to comply with the applicable regulatory requirements may subject us to a variety of administrative or judicially imposed sanctions, including the FDA’s refusal to approve pending or supplemental applications, withdrawal of an approval or clearance, warning letters, product recalls, product seizures, total or

 

8



 

partial suspension of production or distribution, injunctions, fines, and civil and criminal penalties against that company or its officers, directors or employees.  Failure to comply with regulatory requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

As a condition of our original FDA approval for our TMR products, we were required by the FDA to perform a postmarket surveillance study. The FDA requested that we submit a PMA Postapproval Study report summarizing this postmarket surveillance study. We filed this postapproval study report with the FDA on February 28, 2007. On August 18, 2008, we received a letter from the FDA informing us that we had satisfied our postapproval study requirements with the submission of our final report.

 

From time to time, legislation is drafted and introduced in Congress that could significantly change the statutory provisions governing the approval, manufacturing and marketing of drug products and medical devices.  In addition, FDA regulations and guidance are often revised or reinterpreted by the agency in ways that may significantly affect our business and our products.  It is impossible to predict whether legislative changes will be enacted, or FDA regulations, guidance, or interpretations changed, and what the impact of such changes, if any, may be.

 

Various foreign countries in which our products are or may be sold impose additional or different regulatory and testing requirements. The international regulatory approval process varies from country to country and is subject to change in a given country as regulatory requirements change.  Thus, the time required for an approval may differ and there can be substantial delays in obtaining approval after the relevant applications are filed.  There is no assurance that foreign regulatory authorities will approve the use or sale of our products in a particular country on a timely basis, or at all.

 

The FDA has approved the use of the Heart Laser Systems for patients who have stable angina (Canadian Cardiovascular Society Class III or IV) refractory to medical treatment and secondary to objectively demonstrated coronary artery atherosclerosis and with a region of the myocardium not amenable to direct coronary revascularization.

 

Third-Party Reimbursement

 

Healthcare providers, including hospitals and physicians that purchase medical devices, such as the Heart Laser Systems, for use on their patients, generally rely on third-party payers, principally Medicare, Medicaid and private health insurance plans, to reimburse all or part of the costs associated with the procedures performed with these devices.

 

Currently, Medicare coverage is provided for TMR when it is performed as a sole therapy treatment.  In addition, when two or more medical procedures are performed in combination with each other, Medicare rules generally allow hospitals to bill for whichever of the two procedures carries the higher reimbursement amount. Therefore, in situations where sole therapy TMR reimbursement rates exceed that provided for bypass surgery alone, if hospitals perform a combination procedure where both bypass surgery and adjunctive TMR are performed on a patient, the hospital is able to bill for the higher TMR procedure reimbursement payment. In these instances, the doctor also can bill an additional amount for performing multiple procedures.

 

Certain private insurance companies and health maintenance organizations also currently provide reimbursement for TMR procedures performed with our products, and physician reimbursement codes have been established for TMR when performed as a sole therapy or as an adjunct to bypass surgery; however, we have limited data as to the breadth of this coverage for the TMR procedure by private insurance companies and health maintenance organizations.

 

No assurance can be given, however, that these payers will continue to reimburse healthcare providers who perform TMR procedures using our products now or in the future.  Further, no assurance can be given that additional payers will reimburse healthcare providers who perform TMR procedures using our products or that

 

9



 

reimbursement, if provided, will be timely or adequate. In addition, the market for our products could be adversely affected by future legislation to reform the nation’s healthcare system or by changes in industry practices regarding reimbursement policies and procedures.

 

Proprietary Processes, Patents, Licenses and Other Rights

 

It is our practice to file patent applications to protect our technology, inventions and product improvements.  We also rely on trade secret protection for certain confidential and proprietary information.

 

Since April 1992, we have received 34 U.S. patents.  These patents have terms which expire from 2009 through 2024 and cover, among other things, laser technology to create a pulsed, fast-flow laser system, the use of a laser on a beating heart to revascularize the heart using TMR related disposable components, and the system used to time the heart’s contractions to synchronize the laser firing at the correct time.  We also have U.S. patent applications pending relating to technology used in the Heart Laser Systems and technologies associated with percutaneous myocardial revascularization.  In addition, we have two patents issued and three applications filed in the field of percutaneous valves.

 

In addition, we currently have nine patent applications pending at the U.S. patent office in connection with the prevention of CIN related to RenalGuard. We have international patent applications pending on seven of these RenalGuard patents, including individual patent applications pending in Canada, the EU and Japan.

 

Although we believe our patents to be strong, litigation by a competitor seeking to invalidate these patents could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.  No assurance can be given that the existing patents will be held valid if challenged, that any additional patents will be issued or that the scope of any patent protection will exclude competitors.  The breadth of claims in medical technology patents involves complex legal and factual issues and therefore can be highly uncertain.

 

We also rely upon unpatented proprietary technology and trade secrets that we seek to protect, in part, through confidentiality agreements with employees and other parties.  No assurance can be given that these agreements will not be breached, that we will have adequate remedies for any breach, that others will not independently develop or otherwise acquire substantially equivalent proprietary technology and trade secrets or disclose such technology or that we can meaningfully protect our rights in such unpatented technology.  In addition, others may hold or receive patents that contain claims covering products developed by us.

 

We believe our patents to be valid and enforceable.  However, there has been substantial litigation regarding patent and other intellectual property rights in the medical device industry.  Litigation, which could result in substantial cost and diversion of our efforts, may be necessary to enforce our patents, to protect our trade secrets, to defend ourselves against claimed infringement of the rights of others and to determine the scope and validity of the proprietary rights of others.  Adverse determinations in litigation could subject us to significant liabilities to third parties, require us to seek licenses from third parties and prevent us from manufacturing, selling or using our products, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Competition

 

Our only direct competitor in the TMR market at this time is CardioGenesis.  Although we do not believe it likely because of the length of time and significant cost involved to conduct the necessary human clinical trials that would be required to secure approval from the FDA to market new TMR products, other companies may enter the TMR market in the future.

 

CardioGenesis has received FDA approval to market its holmium laser in the U.S. to perform TMR.  CardioGenesis has also received CE Mark approval for its TMR system, which allows it to sell its product commercially in the EU.  CardioGenesis promotes the advantages it believes its TMR system provides surgeons who

 

10



 

wish to perform minimally invasive or robotically assisted TMR procedures. It is unclear at this time how successful, if at all, CardioGenesis will be with this marketing approach or what impact its TMR products will have in terms of competing with our present Heart Laser System design.

 

We believe that the primary competitive factors in the medical treatment of coronary artery disease are clinical safety and efficacy, product safety and reliability, regulatory approval, availability of reimbursement from insurance companies and other payers, product quality, price, reputation for quality, customer service and ease of use.  We believe that our competitive success will be based on our ability to create and maintain scientifically effective and safe technology, obtain and maintain required regulatory approvals, obtain and maintain third party reimbursement for use of our products, attract and retain key personnel, obtain and maintain patent or other protection for our products and successfully differentiate, price, manufacture and market our products either directly or indirectly through outside parties.

 

The medical care products industry is characterized by extensive research efforts and rapid technological progress.  New technologies and developments are expected to continue at a rapid pace in both industry and academia.  Competition in the market for surgical lasers and for the treatment of cardiovascular disease is intense and is expected to increase.  We believe that the Heart Laser Systems must compete not only with other TMR systems, but also with medical management (drugs) and other coronary procedures (e.g., coronary bypass surgery, balloon angioplasty, atherectomy, laser angioplasty and stents, including new drug-eluting stents that may significantly reduce restenosis).  Many of the companies manufacturing these products have substantially greater resources and experience than we do. Such companies may succeed in developing products that are more effective, less invasive or less costly in treating coronary disease than the Heart Laser Systems and may be more successful than us in manufacturing and marketing their products.  No assurance can be given that our competitors or others will not succeed in developing technologies, products or procedures that are more effective than any being developed by us or that would render our technology and products obsolete or noncompetitive.  Although we will continue to work to develop new and improved products, the advent of either new devices or new pharmaceutical agents could hinder our ability to compete effectively and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Research and Development

 

Research and development expenses were $2,075,000 and $2,382,000 for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  We expect to continue to incur significant new research and development expenditures in future years. Our current and near term development efforts will be focused on advancing our RenalGuard program.

 

We continue to monitor technologies that may be applicable to TMR or the market for CIN prevention.  No assurance can be given that our research and development goals will be implemented successfully.

 

Employees

 

As of March 16, 2009, we had 24 full-time employees worldwide, including our executive officers. Of these, seven are in general and administrative positions, two are involved in sales, five are involved in research and development, five are involved in manufacturing, four are involved in service and one is involved in quality and regulatory affairs.  We also employ two part-time employees in administration.  None of our employees are represented by a union.  We consider our relationship with our employees to be good.

 

Company Information

 

We were incorporated in British Columbia, Canada on March 3, 1987.  We transferred our jurisdiction of incorporation to the Yukon Territory of Canada in March 1999.  Our principal offices and manufacturing facilities are located at 10 Forge Park, Franklin, Massachusetts 02038.  Our telephone number is (508) 541-8800.  Our Internet address is www.plcmed.com.  As used herein, the references to PLC, we, our and the Company mean,

 

11



 

unless the context requires otherwise, PLC and its subsidiaries, PLC Medical Systems, Inc. and PLC Sistemas Medicos Internacionais (Deutschland) GmbH.

 

Item 1A.     Risk Factors

 

Pursuant to the instructions to Item 1A. of Form 10-K, we are not required to provide this information because we are a smaller reporting company.

 

Item 1B.     Unresolved Staff Comments

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 2.        Properties

 

We maintain our principal executive offices and manufacturing and development operations in 24,000 square feet of leased space in Franklin, Massachusetts.  The lease on this space expires on August 31, 2009.  The total base rental payments for the eight months ending August 31, 2009 total approximately $176,000.  We are also responsible for certain operating and maintenance costs and real estate taxes.

 

Item 3.        Legal Proceedings

 

We are not presently involved in any material litigation proceedings.

 

Item 4.        Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

Not applicable.

 

PART II

 

Item 5.        Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

From September 17, 1992 to November 7, 2008, our common stock traded on the NYSE Alternext Market (formerly the American Stock Exchange) (“AMEX”) under the symbol “PLC”; from November 10, 2008 to November 14, 2008, our common stock was quoted on the Pink Sheets under the symbol “PLCSF”; and since November 17, 2008, our common stock has been quoted on both the Pink Sheets and the OTC Bulletin Board (the “OTCBB”) under the symbol “PLCSF”.  On March 16, 2009, the last sale price of our common stock was $0.07 per share.

 

From the first quarter of 2007 through the third quarter of 2008, the following table sets forth the range of high and low sales prices for our common stock on AMEX.  For the fourth quarter of 2008, the following table sets forth the highest and lowest of (1) any sales price for our common stock on AMEX through November 7, 2008 or (2) any bid price for our common stock on the Pink Sheets or the OTCBB on and after November 10, 2008.  Any bid price listed represents inter-dealer quotations without retail markup, markdown or commission and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.

 

12



 

2007

 

High

 

Low

 

First Quarter

 

$

0.65

 

$

0.51

 

Second Quarter

 

$

1.12

 

$

0.56

 

Third Quarter

 

$

0.64

 

$

0.43

 

Fourth Quarter

 

$

0.78

 

$

0.25

 

 

2008

 

High

 

Low

 

First Quarter

 

$

0.49

 

$

0.35

 

Second Quarter

 

$

0.45

 

$

0.32

 

Third Quarter

 

$

0.43

 

$

0.06

 

Fourth Quarter

 

$

0.15

 

$

0.025

 

 

As of March 16, 2009, there were 690 record holders of our common stock.  We believe that there are approximately 6,817 beneficial owners of our common stock.

 

Dividends

 

We have never paid cash dividends.  We currently intend to retain all future earnings, if any, for use in our business and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

 

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

 

The following table provides information about the securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2008:

 

Plan Category

 

(a)
Number of securities to
be issued upon exercise
of outstanding options,
warrants and rights

 

(b)
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights

 

(c)
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected
in column (a))

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders(1)

 

4,377,851

 

$

0.70

 

2,275,795

(2)

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders(3)

 

1,120,734

 

$

0.65

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

5,498,585

 

$

0.69

 

2,275,795

 

 


(1)

 

Consists of the following equity compensation plans: (i) 1993 Formula Stock Option Plan; (ii) 1993 Stock Option Plan; (iii) 1995 Stock Option Plan; (iv) 2000 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended (the “2000 ESPP”); (v) 2000 Equity Incentive Plan; and (vi) 2005 Stock Incentive Plan.

 

 

 

(2)

 

Includes 294,461 shares issuable under the 2000 ESPP, including shares issuable in connection with the current offering period, which ends on May 31, 2009.

 

 

 

(3)

 

Consists of the following equity compensation plans and arrangements: (i) 1997 Executive Stock Option Plan; (ii) 2000 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan; and (iii) 2000 Non-Qualified Performance and Retention Equity Plan.

 

13



 

Canadian Tax Matters

 

This summary is applicable to a holder or prospective purchaser of our common stock who (i) is not (and is not deemed to be) a resident in Canada, (ii) does not (and is not deemed to) use or hold the common stock in, or in the course of, carrying on a business in Canada, (iii) is not an insurer that carries on an insurance business in Canada and elsewhere, and (iv) holds the common stock as capital property.

 

This summary is based on the current provisions of the Income Tax Act (Canada), the regulations thereunder and the Canada – United States Income Tax Convention (1980), as amended (the “Tax Convention”).  This summary is not exhaustive of all possible Canadian federal income tax consequences and does not take into account provincial, territorial or foreign income tax considerations.  This summary is of a general nature only and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed to be, legal or tax advice to any holder of the common stock and no representation with respect to Canadian federal income tax consequences to any holder of common stock is made herein.  Accordingly, prospective purchasers and holders of the common stock should consult their own tax advisers with respect to their individual circumstances.

 

Sales or Other Dispositions of Shares

 

A capital gain realized on the disposition of common stock by a person resident in the U.S. (a “non-resident”) will not be subject to tax under the Income Tax Act (Canada) unless the shares held by the non-resident are “taxable Canadian property” at the time of disposition.  In general, common stock will be taxable Canadian property if the particular non-resident used (or in the case of a non-resident insurer, used or held) the common stock in carrying on business in Canada or where at any time during the five-year period immediately preceding the realization of the gain, not less than 25% of the issued and outstanding shares of any class or series of shares of the company, which were listed on a prescribed stock exchanged, were owned by the particular non-resident, by persons with whom the particular non-resident did not deal at arms’ length, or by any combination thereof.  The AMEX is a prescribed stock exchange for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada).  If common stock constitutes taxable Canadian property, relief nevertheless may be available under the Tax Convention.  Under the Tax Convention, gains from the alienation of common stock owned by a non-resident who has never been resident in Canada generally will be exempt from Canadian capital gains tax if the shares do not relate to a permanent establishment or fixed base which the non-resident has or had in Canada, and if not more than 50% of the value of the shares was derived from real property situated in Canada.  With regard to a non-resident qualifying for benefits under the Tax Convention, it is the Canada Revenue Agency’s published administrative position that certain entities that are treated as being fiscally transparent for U.S. federal income tax purposes (i.e., limited liability companies) will not qualify as residents of the U.S. for the purposes of the Tax Convention.

 

Taxation of Dividends on Common Stock

 

In the event that dividends on our common stock are paid, credited or deemed to be paid or credited to a non-resident, the non-resident will be subject to Canadian withholding tax at a rate of 25% of the gross amount of the dividend.  Under the Tax Convention, the withholding tax rate is reduced to 15% of the gross amount of the dividend.  Also under the Tax Convention, dividends may be exempt from Canadian withholding tax if paid to certain non-residents (i.e., certain tax exempt organizations).  Prospective purchasers and holders of our common stock should consult their own tax advisors with regard to any possible exemption from withholding tax on dividends paid on our common stock.

 

Passive Foreign Investment Company Implications

 

Because we are incorporated outside the U.S., and our cash and investments are significant to our total assets, we must monitor rules regarding possible classification as a passive foreign investment company under U.S. Federal tax rules.   While currently not classified as such, future classification as a passive foreign investment company could result in certain adverse tax consequences including, but not limited to, the allocation of a portion of our taxable income to our shareholders.

 

14



 

Item 6.        Selected Financial Data

 

Pursuant to Item 301(c) of Regulation S-K, we are not required to provide this information because we are a smaller reporting company.

 

Item 7.        Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Overview

 

On November 7, 2008, our common stock was delisted from AMEX.   Our common stock is now quoted on both the Pink Sheets and the OTCBB under the symbol “PLCSF”.

 

We are a medical device company specializing in innovative technologies for the cardiac and vascular markets.  We pioneered and manufacture the Heart Laser System that cardiac surgeons use to perform TMR to alleviate symptoms of severe angina. We also manufacture CO2 surgical laser tubes and provide contract assembly services on general purpose CO2 lasers.

 

In addition, we have begun initial commercialization in the EU of our newest product, RenalGuard®. RenalGuard is designed to reduce the potentially toxic effects that contrast media can have on the kidneys when it is administered to patients during certain medical imaging procedures. It is believed that allowing contrast media to dwell in the kidneys can lead to CIN, a potentially deadly form of acute kidney injury. By inducing and maintaining a high urine flow rate before, during and after these medical imaging procedures, we believe the incidence rates of CIN in at-risk patients can be reduced. RenalGuard facilitates this increased urine clearance, enabling the body to more rapidly void the contrast media, thereby reducing its overall resident time and toxic effects in the kidney.

 

In the U.S., we received full FDA approval to conduct our first human clinical trial utilizing RenalGuard under an IDE. This pilot clinical trial was designed to evaluate the safety of RenalGuard and its ability to accurately measure and balance fluid inputs and outputs on patients undergoing a catheterization imaging procedure where contrast media would be administered.  In February 2008, we submitted an IDE supplement to the FDA seeking approval to move from our pilot study to a pivotal clinical trial to study the safety and effectiveness of RenalGuard in the prevention of CIN. In March 2008, the FDA granted us conditional approval to begin this pivotal study; however, in July 2008 we announced we were deferring commencement of this study until such time as we could successfully raise additional capital necessary to complete the study. We subsequently received full approval from the FDA to commence our pivotal study under a trial design that would enroll 406 patients at up to 30 sites in the U.S.

 

We are also supporting an investigator-sponsored randomized controlled trial utilizing RenalGuard that is being conducted at the CCM in Milan, Italy; it is designed to determine the effectiveness of RenalGuard in preventing CIN in at-risk patients. We hope that the data from the clinical trial in Italy will enable us to raise the additional capital necessary to both start and complete the U.S. pivotal study.

 

RenalGuard is currently approved for sale in the EU as a general fluid balancing device. The RenalGuard System consists of a proprietary, closed loop, software-controlled console and accompanying single-use sets that can be used by physicians and nurses to manage patient fluid levels. RenalGuard operates by first collecting and measuring patient urine outputs and then in real-time precisely matches these urine outputs with a prescribed replacement fluid by means of intravenous infusion. With its automated matched fluid replacement capability, RenalGuard is intended to minimize the risk to patients of over- or under-hydration while also eliminating to a large degree what can otherwise be an intensive and time consuming manual fluid balancing task for physicians and nurses.  We are establishing a distribution network in the EU with the intent to market RenalGuard for general fluid balancing applications.

 

Our U.S. distributor for the Heart Laser System (Novadaq currently and Edwards prior to March 20, 2007) is our largest customer, accounting for 74% and 85% of our total revenues in the years ended December 31, 2008

 

15



 

and 2007, respectively.  We expect a high level of sales concentration to continue in the near future with Novadaq as our largest customer because it holds the exclusive U.S. distribution rights for our TMR products.

 

Approximately 85% and 87% of our revenues in the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, came from the sale and service of TMR lasers and related disposable kits. We believe that the number of opportunities for new TMR laser sales to U.S. hospital customers, and specifically sales opportunities for our HL2 laser, will continue to be limited in future quarters as a result of (1) a diminishing number of available hospitals that have not already implemented a TMR program that are still likely to do so in the future, and (2) continuing financial pressures that hospitals face, in particular for the funding of new capital equipment purchases, in light of both the current tight global credit markets and the ongoing trend of cutbacks in both Medicare and private insurance reimbursement rates for a majority of medical procedures. In addition, we have seen a recent downward trend in the price at which new TMR lasers are being sold in the U.S. market as competition for the remaining available customers increases. As such, we expect that our U.S. TMR revenues in future quarters will continue to be mostly dependent on the sale of TMR kits and service revenues.

 

Our management reviews a number of key performance indicators to assist in determining how to allocate resources and run our day-to-day operations. These indicators include (1) actual prior quarterly sales trends, (2) projected TMR laser and kit sales for the next four quarters, as provided by Novadaq in a rolling 12 month sales forecast, (3) projected future sales of OEM surgical tubes and laser assembly services as well as RenalGuard consoles and single-use sets, (4) research and development progress as measured against internal project plan objectives, (5) budget to actual financial expenditure results, (6) inventory levels (both our own and our distributors’), and (7) short term and long term projected cash flows of the business.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Our financial statements are based on the application of significant accounting policies, many of which require us to make significant estimates and assumptions (see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).  We believe that the following are some of the more material judgment areas in the application of our accounting policies that currently affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (computed on a first-in, first-out method) or market value and include allocations of labor and overhead.  A specific obsolescence allowance is provided for slow moving, excess and obsolete inventory based on our best estimate of the net realizable value of inventory on hand taking into consideration factors such as (1) actual trailing 12 month sales, (2) expected future product line demand, based in part on sales forecast input received from Novadaq and our other customers, and (3) service part stocking levels which, in management’s best judgment, are advisable to maintain in order to meet warranty, service contract and time and material spare part demands.  Historically, we have found our reserves to be adequate.

 

Accounts Receivable

 

Accounts receivable is stated at the amount we expect to collect from the outstanding balances.  We continuously monitor collections from customers, and we maintain a provision for estimated credit losses based upon historical experience and any specific customer collection issues that we have identified.  Historically, we have not experienced significant losses related to our accounts receivable. Collateral is not generally required. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.

 

Research and Development

 

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

 

16



 

Warranty and Preventative Maintenance Costs

 

We warranty our products against manufacturing defects under normal use and service during the warranty period.  We obtain similar warranties from a majority of our suppliers, including those who supply critical Heart Laser System components.  In addition, under the terms of our TMR distribution agreement with Novadaq, we are able to bill Novadaq for actual warranty costs, including preventative maintenance services, up to a specified amount during the warranty period.

 

We evaluate the estimated future unrecoverable costs of warranty and preventative maintenance services for our installed base of lasers on a quarterly basis and adjust our warranty reserve accordingly.  We consider all available evidence, including historical experience and information obtained from supplier audits.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

We record revenue from the sale of TMR kits at the time of shipment to Novadaq.  TMR kit revenues include the amount invoiced to Novadaq for kits shipped pursuant to purchase orders received, as well as an amortized portion of deferred revenue related to a payment of $4,533,333 from Edwards, our previous exclusive U.S. TMR distributor, received in February 2004.  This payment was made in exchange for a reduction in the prospective purchase price we receive upon a sale of the kits.  We are amortizing this payment into our Consolidated Statements of Operations as revenue over a seven year period (culminating in 2010) under the units-of-revenue method as prescribed by Emerging Issues Task Force 88-18, “Sales of Future Revenue”. We determined that a seven year timeframe was the most appropriate amortization period based on a valuation model we used to assess the economic fairness of the payment. Factors we considered in developing this valuation model included the estimated foregone revenues over a seven year period resulting from the reduction in the prospective purchase price payable to us, a discount rate deemed appropriate to this transaction and an estimate of the remaining economic useful life of the current TMR kit design, without any benefit being given to potential future product improvements we may make. We review annually, and adjust if necessary, the prospective revenue amortization rate for kits based on our best estimate of the total number of kits likely remaining to be shipped to hospital customers by Novadaq through 2010. We recorded amortization of $763,000 and $660,000 in the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, which is included in revenues in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

TMR lasers are billed to Novadaq in accordance with purchase orders that we receive.  Invoiced TMR lasers are recorded as other current assets and deferred revenue on our Consolidated Balance Sheet until such time as the laser is shipped to a hospital, at which time we record revenue and cost of revenue.

 

Under the terms of the TMR distribution agreement, once Novadaq has recovered a prescribed amount of revenue from a hospital for the use or purchase of a TMR laser, any additional revenues earned by Novadaq are shared with us pursuant to a formula established in the distribution agreement. We only record our share of such additional revenue, if any, at the time the revenue is earned.

 

We record all other product revenue, including sales of TMR lasers and kits to international customers, sales of RenalGuard consoles and single-use sets and OEM sales of surgical tubes and general purpose CO2 lasers, at the time of shipment.

 

Revenues from service and maintenance contracts are recognized ratably over the life of the contract.

 

Installation revenues related to a TMR laser transaction are recorded as a component of service fees when the laser is installed.

 

17



 

Results of Operations

 

Results for the past two years and the related percent of total revenues were as follows:

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

$

5,330

 

100

%

$

6,004

 

100

%

Total cost of revenues

 

2,200

 

41

 

2,635

 

44

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

3,130

 

59

 

3,369

 

56

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

3,164

 

59

 

3,794

 

63

 

Research and development expenses

 

2,075

 

39

 

2,382

 

40

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from operations

 

(2,109

)

(39

)

(2,807

)

(47

)

Other income

 

99

 

2

 

426

 

7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

 

(2,010

)

(37

)

(2,381

)

(40

)

Benefit from income taxes

 

70

 

1

 

14

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Loss

 

$

(1,940

)

(36

)%

$

(2,367

)

(39

)%

 

 

 

2008

 

Increase
(decrease)
over
2007

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product sales

 

$

3,918

 

$

(646

)

(14

)%

$

4,564

 

Service fees

 

1,412

 

(28

)

(2

)

1,440

 

Total revenues

 

5,330

 

(674

)

(11

)

6,004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product cost of revenues

 

1,526

 

(303

)

(17

)

1,829

 

Service fees cost of revenues

 

674

 

(132

)

(16

)

806

 

Total cost of revenues

 

2,200

 

(435

)

(17

)

2,635

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

3,130

 

(239

)

(7

)

3,369

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

3,164

 

(630

)

(17

)

3,794

 

Research and development expenses

 

2,075

 

(307

)

(13

)

2,382

 

Total operating expenses

 

5,239

 

(937

)

(15

)

6,176

 

Other income

 

99

 

(327

)

(77

)

426

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

 

(2,010

)

371

 

16

 

(2,381

)

Benefit from income taxes

 

70

 

56

 

400

 

14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Loss

 

$

(1,940

)

$

427

 

18

%

$

(2,367

)

 

Product Sales

 

 Disposable TMR kit revenues, the largest component of product sales in 2008, increased by $164,000, or 7%, in 2008 as compared to 2007.  Domestic TMR kit revenues increased $95,000 related to (1) an increase in the average selling price of TMR kits and (2) increased disposable revenue amortization.  These increases were offset in

 

18



 

part by a decrease in the number of TMR kits sold to Novadaq.  International TMR kit revenues increased $69,000, primarily due to a higher volume of TMR kit shipments to international customers.

 

TMR laser revenues decreased $823,000, or 53%, in 2008 as compared to 2007. Domestic TMR laser revenues decreased $1,144,000 as a result of a (1) a decrease in the number of new TMR lasers sold and (2) a lower average selling price on the new TMR lasers sold.  International TMR laser revenues increased $321,000 due to the sale of two lasers to new customers and the sale to a hospital of a previously installed laser system.

 

Other product sales increased $13,000, or 2%, in 2008 as compared to 2007.  This overall increase is a result of new international RenalGuard revenues of $215,000 offset by decreases of (1) $102,000 in manufacturing contract assembly product revenues and (2) $100,000 in revenues from Edwards related to the discontinued Optiwave 980 product line.

 

Service Fee Revenues

 

Service fees decreased $28,000, or 2%, in 2008 as compared to 2007. Domestic service fees decreased $17,000 due to lower non-service contract related billings, offset in part by increased extended service contract revenues. International service fees decreased $11,000 due to decreased service billings to international customers.

 

Gross Profit

 

Gross profit was $3,130,000, or 59% of total revenues, in 2008 as compared with gross profit of $3,369,000, or 56% of total revenues, in 2007. The decrease in gross profit dollars is due to (1) a decrease in both the number and the average selling prices of new domestic TMR lasers sold, (2) a $254,000 increase in our inventory reserve, (3) a decrease in the number of domestic TMR kits sold, and (4) lower revenues from contract assembly services.  These decreases were offset in part by (1) an increase in the average selling price of domestic TMR kits, (2) an increase in international TMR lasers sold, (3) new international RenalGuard revenues, (4) higher disposable revenue amortization, and (5) a reduction in our warranty accrual.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

Selling, general and administrative expenditures decreased 17% in 2008. The decrease was due to (1) lower compensation related costs, (2) reduced overall spending on sales and marketing activities related to RenalGuard, and (3) decreased corporate and legal expenditures, which in 2007 included fees incurred in connection with both the transfer of the U.S. TMR distribution agreement and the origination of RenalGuard clinical trial contracts.

 

Research and Development Expenses

 

Research and development expenditures decreased 13% in 2008. The decrease was due to (1) lower TMR-related clinical costs and (2) reduced RenalGuard product development expenditures. These decreases were offset in part by increased RenalGuard-related clinical costs incurred prior to the suspension of the U.S. pivotal trial.

 

Other Income

 

Other income decreased $327,000, or 77%, in 2008.  Interest income decreased $317,000 in 2008 due to lower average investable balances and lower interest rates on those investable balances as compared to 2007.  The total loss from foreign currency transactions increased $10,000 in 2008 from zero in 2007.

 

Benefit from Income Taxes

 

In 2008, we recorded a $70,000 benefit from income taxes due to the reversal of an income tax accrual originally recorded for a specific tax exposure, which was no longer required.  In 2007, we recorded a $14,000 benefit from income taxes resulting from an income tax refund related to the year ended December 31, 2006.

 

19



 

Net Loss

 

In 2008, our net loss decreased $427,000, or 18%, due to lower operating expenses and a benefit from income taxes offset in part by lower gross margin dollars and lower interest income.

 

Kit Shipments

 

We generally view disposable kit shipments to end users as an important metric in evaluating our business, although we believe that specific short-term factors not indicative of long-term trends can sometimes affect shipments of disposable kits in any given quarter.  Domestic kit shipments referenced in the table below relate to sales by Novadaq to hospital end users.  International kit shipments relate to sales by us directly to our international distributors or hospital end users.

 

 

 

2008

 

%
Increase
Over
2007

 

2007

 

Domestic (U.S. Distributor)

 

1,586

 

1

%

1,566

 

International

 

68

 

113

 

32

 

Total

 

1,654

 

4

%

1,598

 

 

Because a significant number of the total TMR procedures performed each year by cardiac surgeons are done in combination with open-heart bypass surgery, we believe any future growth in the number of TMR procedures will be partly dependent on the number of bypass surgeries performed in the future, which we believe are likely to remain relatively stable over the next few years.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Cash and cash equivalents totaled $5,026,000 as of December 31, 2008, a decrease of $3,034,000 from $8,060,000 as of December 31, 2007.  We have no debt obligations. We believe that our existing cash resources will meet our working capital requirements through at least the next 12 months.

 

Cash used for operating activities in 2008 was $2,968,000 due to our net loss, partially offset by non-cash depreciation and amortization, compensation related to stock options and a loss on retirement of equipment.  We used $29,000 for the purchase of equipment.  Additional cash of $2,000 resulted from proceeds from our employee stock purchase plan and $39,000 was used for the effect of exchange rate changes.

 

In the near term we do not expect that our TMR-related revenues will change significantly. Therefore we will be largely dependent on our ability to increase our revenues through the sale of our RenalGuard product into international markets. Should sales of RenalGuard not increase sufficiently, our liquidity and capital resources will be negatively impacted.

 

Additionally, unanticipated decreases in operating revenues, increases in expenses or changes or delays in third-party reimbursement to healthcare providers using our TMR products would adversely impact our cash position and require further cost reductions or the need to obtain additional capital.

 

We believe if we have sufficient cash to continue our operations that we will incur losses at least through 2010.  In addition, we cannot be certain that we will be able to raise the additional capital necessary to start and complete the pivotal clinical trial in the U.S. that is necessary to obtain regulatory approval to market RenalGuard in the U.S., or that future sales, if any, of RenalGuard will justify these investments.  There can be no assurance that the future capital we will need to implement our business plan will be available on terms and conditions acceptable to us, especially considering the current uncertainty in the global credit markets.  Should additional financing not be available on terms and conditions acceptable to us, or if we are unable to sufficiently increase sales of our products,

 

20



 

we will need to further curtail our TMR and RenalGuard programs and take additional actions that will adversely impact our ability to continue to realize assets and satisfy liabilities in the normal course of business.  The consolidated financial statements set forth in this report do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects of these uncertainties.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

None.

 

Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Pursuant to Item 305(e) of Regulation S-K, we are not required to provide this information because we are a smaller reporting company.

 

Item 8.     Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

All financial statements and other information required to be filed hereunder are filed as Appendix A hereto, are listed under Item 15(a) and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 9.     Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 9A(T).           Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2008.  The term “disclosure controls and procedures”, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “SEC”) rules and forms.  Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.  Based upon the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2008, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

No change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2008 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting.  The term “internal control over financial reporting” is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, a company’s principal executive and principal

 

21



 

financial officers and effected by the company’s board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:

 

·                  Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company;

 

·                  Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and

 

·                  Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of  December 31, 2008.  In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework.

 

Based on this assessment, our management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2008, our internal control over financial reporting was effective based on those criteria.

 

This annual report does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.  Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the SEC that permit us to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

 

Item 9B.     Other Information

 

None.

 

PART III

 

Item 10.     Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with our 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (referred to as our Definitive Proxy Statement) under the captions “Proposal 1 - Election of Directors” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance”.

 

We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to all employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer.  We undertake to provide a copy of our code of ethics to any person without charge, upon request to PLC Systems Inc., c/o Chief Financial Officer, 10 Forge Park, Franklin, Massachusetts 02038.  We intend to disclose waivers and amendments of provisions of the code, if any, for our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer and that relate to any element of the code of ethics definition enumerated in applicable SEC rules by posting such information, if any, on our Internet website, www.plcmed.com.

 

22



 

Item 11.    Executive Compensation

 

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement under the caption “Proposal 1 - Election of Directors”.

 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

 

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement under the captions “Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans” and “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management”.

 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

 

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement under the captions “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” and “Corporate Governance”.

 

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to our Definitive Proxy Statement under the caption “Principal Accountant Fees and Services”.

 

PART IV

 

Item 15.    Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

(a)             Financial Statements. The following documents are filed as Appendix A hereto and are included as part of this annual report on Form 10-K.

 

 

Page

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

F-2

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007

F-3

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007

F-4

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007

F-5

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007

F-6

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

F-7

 

 

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

S-1

 

All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulation of the SEC are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and, therefore, have been omitted.

 

(b)             Exhibits.

 

The exhibits filed as part of this annual report on Form 10-K are set forth on the Exhibit Index immediately preceding such exhibits, and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

(c)             Financial Statement Schedules.

 

See Item 15(a) above.

 

23



 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

PLC SYSTEMS INC.

 

 

 

Date: March 26, 2009

 

By:

/s/  Mark R. Tauscher

 

 

 

Mark R. Tauscher

 

 

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Name

 

Capacity

 

Date

 

 

 

 

 

/s/  Mark R. Tauscher

 

President, Chief Executive Officer

 

March 26, 2009

 Mark R. Tauscher

 

and Director

 

 

 

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/  James G. Thomasch

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

March 26, 2009

 James G. Thomasch

 

(Principal Financial and Principal

 

 

 

 

 Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/  Edward H. Pendergast

 

Chairman of the Board

 

March 26, 2009

 Edward H. Pendergast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/  Kevin J. Dunn

 

Director

 

March 26, 2009

 Kevin J. Dunn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/  Benjamin L. Holmes

 

Director

 

March 26, 2009

 Benjamin L. Holmes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/  Alan H. Magazine

 

Director

 

March 26, 2009

 Alan H. Magazine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/  Brent Norton, M.D.

 

Director

 

March 26, 2009

 Brent Norton, M.D.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/  Robert I. Rudko, Ph.D.

 

Director

 

March 26, 2009

 Robert I. Rudko, Ph.D.

 

 

 

 

 

24



 

APPENDIX A

 

PLC SYSTEMS INC.

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007

 




 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of

PLC Systems Inc.

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of PLC Systems Inc. as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the two year period ended December 31, 2008. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a).  These consolidated financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States of America). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform an audit of its internal controls over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of PLC Systems Inc. as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the two year period ended December 31, 2008, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Our audits were performed for the purpose of forming an opinion on the consolidated financial statements taken as a whole. The schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a) is presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and is not part of the basic financial statements. In our opinion, the schedule referred to above presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole for each of the years in the two year period ended December 31, 2008.

 

 

/s/ Vitale, Caturano & Company, P.C.

 

 

 

 

Boston, Massachusetts

 

March 23, 2009

 

 

F-2



 

PLC SYSTEMS INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

December 31, 2008 and 2007

(In thousands)

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

5,026

 

$

8,060

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $20 and $23 at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively

 

802

 

998

 

Inventories, net

 

1,136

 

852

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

598

 

823

 

Total current assets

 

7,562

 

10,733

 

Equipment, furniture and leasehold improvements, net

 

160

 

269

 

Other assets

 

191

 

198

 

Total assets

 

$

7,913

 

$

11,200

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

296

 

$

623

 

Accrued compensation

 

525

 

766

 

Accrued other

 

138

 

326

 

Deferred revenue

 

2,405

 

2,096

 

Total current liabilities

 

3,364

 

3,811

 

Deferred revenue, net of current portion

 

1,358

 

2,439

 

Commitments and contingencies (note 7)

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, no par value, unlimited shares authorized, none issued and outstanding

 

 

 

Common stock, no par value, unlimited shares authorized, 30,351 and 30,329 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively

 

93,893

 

93,891

 

Additional paid in capital

 

474

 

270

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(90,838

)

(88,898

)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(338

)

(313

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

3,191

 

4,950

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

7,913

 

$

11,200

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-3



 

PLC SYSTEMS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For The Years Ended December 31, 2008 and 2007

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

Product sales

 

$

3,918

 

$

4,564

 

Service fees

 

1,412

 

1,440

 

Total revenues

 

5,330

 

6,004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

Product sales

 

1,526

 

1,829

 

Service fees

 

674

 

806

 

Total cost of revenues

 

2,200

 

2,635

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

3,130

 

3,369

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

3,164

 

3,794

 

Research and development

 

2,075

 

2,382

 

Total operating expenses

 

5,239

 

6,176

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from operations

 

(2,109

)

(2,807

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income

 

99

 

426

 

Loss before income taxes

 

(2,010

)

(2,381

)

Benefit from income taxes

 

70

 

14

 

Net loss

 

$

(1,940

)

$

(2,367

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted loss per share

 

$

(0.06

)

$

(0.08

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted

 

30,333

 

30,318

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-4



 

PLC SYSTEMS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For The Years Ended December 31, 2008 and 2007

(In thousands)

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

Additional

 

Accumulated

 

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Paid in Capital

 

Deficit

 

Income (Loss)

 

Total

 

Balance, December 31, 2006

 

30,311

 

$

93,882

 

$

101

 

$

(86,531

)

$

(323

)

$

7,129

 

Exercise of stock options

 

13

 

7

 

 

 

 

7

 

Issuance of common stock

 

5

 

2

 

 

 

 

2

 

Stock based compensation

 

 

 

169

 

 

 

169

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

 

 

 

(2,367

)

 

(2,367

)

Foreign currency translation, net

 

 

 

 

 

10

 

10

 

Total comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,357

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2007

 

30,329

 

93,891

 

270

 

(88,898

)

(313

)

4,950

 

Issuance of common stock

 

22

 

2

 

 

 

 

2

 

Stock based compensation

 

 

 

204

 

 

 

204

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

 

 

 

(1,940

)

 

(1,940

)

Foreign currency translation, net

 

 

 

 

 

(25

)

(25

)

Total comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,965

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2008

 

30,351

 

$

93,893

 

$

474

 

$

(90,838

)

$

(338

)

$

3,191

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-5



 

PLC SYSTEMS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For The Years Ended December 31, 2008 and 2007

(In thousands)

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(1,940

)

$

(2,367

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used for operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

111

 

109

 

Compensation expense from stock options

 

204

 

169

 

Loss on retirement of equipment

 

34

 

 

Change in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

206

 

(80

)

Inventory

 

(284

)

403

 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

225

 

(231

)

Accounts payable

 

(327

)

167

 

Deferred revenue

 

(769

)

(347

)

Accrued liabilities

 

(428

)

374

 

Net cash used for operating activities

 

(2,968

)

(1,803

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Maturity of short-term investments

 

 

4,000

 

Purchase of equipment

 

(29

)

(200

)

Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities

 

(29

)

3,800

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

 

7

 

Net proceeds from issuance of common stock

 

2

 

2

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

2

 

9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

(39

)

20

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

(3,034

)

2,026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

 

8,060

 

6,034

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

 

$

5,026

 

$

8,060

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information

 

 

 

 

 

Cash refunded during the year for:

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes

 

$

 

$

14

 

Interest

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-6



 

PLC SYSTEMS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2008

 

1.             Business

 

PLC Systems Inc. (“PLC” or the “Company”) is a medical device company specializing in innovative technologies for the cardiac and vascular markets.  The Company pioneered and manufactures the CO2 Heart Laser System (the “Heart Laser System”) that cardiac surgeons use to perform carbon dioxide (CO2) transmyocardial revascularization, or TMR, to alleviate symptoms of severe angina.  The Company also manufactures CO2 surgical laser tubes and provides contract assembly services on general purpose CO2 lasers, which it sells to a single customer on an original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) basis.

 

In addition, the Company has begun initial commercialization in the European Union (“EU”) of its newest product, RenalGuard®. RenalGuard is designed to reduce the potentially toxic effects that contrast media can have on the kidneys when it is administered to patients during certain medical imaging procedures. It is believed that allowing contrast media to dwell in the kidneys can lead to contrast-induced nephropathy (“CIN”), a potentially deadly form of acute kidney injury. By inducing and maintaining a high urine flow rate before, during and after these medical imaging procedures, the Company believes the incidence rates of CIN in at-risk patients can be reduced. RenalGuard facilitates this increased urine clearance, enabling the body to more rapidly void the contrast media, thereby reducing its overall resident time and toxic effects in the kidney.

 

The Company received full U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) approval to conduct its first human clinical trial utilizing RenalGuard under an investigational device exemption (“IDE”). This pilot clinical trial was designed to evaluate the safety of RenalGuard and its ability to accurately measure and balance fluid inputs and outputs on patients undergoing a catheterization imaging procedure where contrast media would be administered.  The Company enrolled 23 patients in its pilot clinical trial and subsequently received full FDA approval to conduct a pivotal study evaluating both the safety and effectiveness of RenalGuard.  This approved pivotal trial is designed to enroll 406 patients at up to 30 sites in the U.S.  The Company does not intend to commence this pivotal study until it is able to secure sufficient additional capital to complete the study.

 

The Company is also supporting an investigator-sponsored randomized controlled trial utilizing RenalGuard that is being conducted at the Centro Cardiologico Monzino-University (“CCM”) in Milan, Italy. The CCM trial is designed to determine the effectiveness of RenalGuard in preventing CIN in at-risk patients.  The Company hopes that the data from the CCM clinical trial will enable it to raise the additional capital necessary to both start and complete the U.S. pivotal study.

 

RenalGuard is currently approved for sale in the EU as a general fluid balancing device. The RenalGuard System consists of a proprietary, closed loop, software-controlled console and accompanying single-use sets that can be used by physicians and nurses to manage patient fluid levels.  RenalGuard operates by first collecting and measuring patient urine outputs and then in real-time precisely matches these urine outputs with a prescribed replacement fluid by means of intravenous infusion.  With its automated matched fluid replacement capability, RenalGuard is intended to minimize the risk to patients of over- or under-hydration while also eliminating to a large degree what can otherwise be an intensive and time consuming manual fluid balancing task for physicians and nurses.

 

The Company is establishing a distribution network in the EU with the intent to market RenalGuard for general fluid balancing applications.

 

On March 20, 2007, the Company entered into a distribution agreement with Novadaq Corp. (“Novadaq”), a subsidiary of Novadaq Technologies Inc., pursuant to which the Company appointed Novadaq as its exclusive distributor in the United States for its TMR business.  The agreement amended and restated the exclusive distribution agreement between the Company and Edwards Lifesciences LLC (“Edwards”), which had been assigned by Edwards to Novadaq on the same date.  The agreement with Novadaq reflects substantially the same roles, responsibilities and financial terms as the previous agreement with Edwards.

 

F-7



 

PLC SYSTEMS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

December 31, 2008

 

2.             Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of PLC and its two wholly owned subsidiaries, PLC Medical Systems, Inc. and PLC Sistemas Medicos Internacionais (Deutschland) GmbH.  All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.  Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents at December 31, 2008 and 2007 consist of an overnight sweep to repurchase agreements.

 

Concentrations of Credit Risk

 

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk include cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments and accounts receivable. The Company believes it minimizes its exposure to potential concentrations of credit risk by placing its cash equivalents and short-term investments in high-quality financial instruments.  At December 31, 2008 and 2007, the majority of the cash and cash equivalents balance was invested with a single financial institution.

 

The Company has a concentration of credit risk due to its exclusive TMR supply arrangements with Novadaq and formerly with Edwards.  Novadaq accounted for 69% and 94% of the Company’s net accounts receivable at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  Novadaq also accounted for 74% and 85% of the Company’s revenues for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  Collateral is not required on sales to Novadaq.

 

Concentration of Revenues

 

Approximately 85% and 87% of the Company’s revenues for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, were derived from the sales and service of its Heart Laser System.

 

Accounts Receivable

 

Accounts receivable is stated at the amount the Company expects to collect from the outstanding balances.  The Company continuously monitors collections from customers, its principal customer being Novadaq, and maintains a provision for estimated credit losses based upon historical experience and any specific customer collection issues that the Company has identified.  Historically, the Company has not experienced significant losses related to its accounts receivable.  Collateral is generally not required. If the financial condition of its customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances could be required.

 

F-8



 

PLC SYSTEMS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

December 31, 2008

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (computed on a first-in, first-out method) or market value and include allocations of labor and overhead.  A specific obsolescence allowance is provided for slow moving, excess and obsolete inventory based on the Company’s best estimate of the net realizable value of inventory on hand taking into consideration factors such as actual trailing twelve month sales, expected future product line sales and estimated required service part stocking levels needed to meet warranty, service contract and time and material spare part demands.  Historically, the Company has found its reserves to be adequate.

 

Equipment, Furniture, Leasehold Improvements and Long-Lived Assets

 

Equipment, furniture and leasehold improvements are stated on the basis of cost. Depreciation is computed principally on the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes and on accelerated methods for income tax purposes.

 

Depreciation and amortization are based on the following useful lives:

 

Equipment

 

2-5 years

Office furniture and fixtures

 

5 years

Leasehold improvements

 

Shorter of life of lease or useful life

 

The Company reviews and evaluates long-lived assets for impairment on a regular basis. In the Company’s opinion, long-lived assets are not impaired as of the balance sheet dates presented.

 

Warranty and Preventative Maintenance Costs

 

The Company warranties its products against manufacturing defects under normal use and service during the warranty period.  The Company obtains similar warranties from a majority of its suppliers, including those who supply critical Heart Laser System components.  In addition, under the terms of its TMR distribution agreement with Novadaq, the Company is able to bill Novadaq for actual warranty costs, including preventative maintenance services, up to a specified amount during the warranty period.

 

The Company evaluates the estimated future unrecoverable costs of warranty and preventative maintenance services for its installed base of lasers on a quarterly basis and adjusts its warranty reserve accordingly.  The Company considers all available evidence, including historical experience and information obtained from supplier audits.  Accrued warranty costs were $10,000 and $60,000 at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  During the year ended December 31, 2008, the warranty liability related to potential pre-existing warranties was reduced by $50,000.  There were no changes to the warranty accrual during the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company records revenue from the sale of TMR kits at the time of shipment to Novadaq.  TMR kit revenues include the amount invoiced to Novadaq for kits shipped pursuant to purchase orders received, as well as an amortized portion of deferred revenue related to a payment of $4,533,333 from Edwards, the Company’s previous exclusive U.S. TMR distributor, received in February 2004.  This payment was made in exchange for a reduction in the prospective purchase price the Company receives upon a sale of the kits.  The Company is amortizing this payment into its Consolidated Statements of Operations as revenue over a seven year period (culminating in 2010) under the units-of-revenue method as prescribed by Emerging Issues Task Force 88-18, “Sales of Future Revenue”.  The Company determined that a seven year timeframe was the most appropriate amortization period based on a valuation model it used to assess the economic fairness of the payment. Factors the Company considered in developing this valuation model included the estimated foregone revenues over a seven

 

F-9



 

PLC SYSTEMS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

December 31, 2008

 

year period resulting from the reduction in the prospective purchase price payable to the Company, a discount rate deemed appropriate to this transaction and an estimate of the remaining economic useful life of the current TMR kit design, without any benefit being given to potential future product improvements the Company may make.  The Company reviews annually, and adjusts if necessary, the prospective revenue amortization rate for kits based on its best estimate of the total number of kits likely remaining to be shipped to hospital customers by Novadaq through 2010. The Company recorded amortization of $763,000 and $660,000 in the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, which is included in revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

TMR lasers are billed to Novadaq in accordance with purchase orders that the Company receives.  Invoiced TMR lasers are recorded as other current assets and deferred revenue on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet until such time as the laser is shipped to a hospital, at which time the Company records revenue and cost of revenue.

 

Under the terms of the Novadaq TMR distribution agreement, once Novadaq has recovered a prescribed amount of revenue from a hospital for the use or purchase of a TMR laser, any additional revenues earned by Novadaq are shared with the Company pursuant to a formula established in the distribution agreement. The Company only records its share of such additional revenue, if any, at the time the revenue is earned.

 

The Company records all other product revenue, including sales of TMR lasers and kits to international customers, sales of RenalGuard consoles and single-use sets and OEM sales of surgical tubes and general purpose CO2 lasers, at the time of shipment.

 

Revenues from service and maintenance contracts are recognized ratably over the life of the contract.

 

Installation revenues related to a TMR laser transaction are recorded as a component of service fees when the laser is installed.

 

Foreign Currency Translation

 

Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at end-of-period exchange rates, while income and expense items are translated at average rates of exchange prevailing during the year. Exchange gains and losses arising from translation are accumulated as a separate component of stockholders’ equity.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company follows the liability method of accounting for income taxes, as set forth in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 109, “Accounting For Income Taxes.” Under this method, deferred tax liabilities and assets are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amount and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. The Company records a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets unless it is more likely than not that such asset will be realized in future periods.

 

In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement 109” (“FIN 48”).  This statement clarifies the criteria that an individual tax position must satisfy for some or all of the benefits of that position to be recognized in a company’s financial statements.  FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold of more-likely-than-not, and a measurement attribute for all tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return, in order for those tax positions to be recognized in the financial statements.

 

Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48. The adoption of FIN 48 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Effective with the adoption of FIN 48, the Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of the provision for income taxes.

 

F-10



 

PLC SYSTEMS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

December 31, 2008

 

Research and Development

 

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

 

Loss per Share

 

In 2008 and 2007, basic and diluted loss per share have been computed using only the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period without giving effect to any potential future issuances of common stock related to stock option programs and warrants, since their inclusion would be antidilutive.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, 5,499,000 and 5,298,000 shares, respectively, attributable to outstanding stock options and warrants were excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share because the effect would have been antidilutive.  The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted loss per share:

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

(In thousands, except per
share data)

 

Basic and diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(1,940

)

$

(2,367

)

Weighted average shares outstanding

 

30,333

 

30,318

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted loss per share

 

$

(0.06

)

$

(0.08

)

 

Stock Based Compensation

 

Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-based Payment” (“SFAS No. 123R”), using the modified-prospective transition method, which did not require restatement of prior period results.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS No.157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”). SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The adoption of SFAS No.157 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157” (“FSP 157-2”). FSP 157-2 delays the effective date of SFAS No. 157 to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis (at least annually). The Company adopted FSP 157-2 on January 1, 2009, primarily for its identifiable intangible assets, and does not expect this standard to have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159, which includes an amendment to SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities”, permits entities the option to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.  On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS No. 159, which did not have a material effect on its results of operations or financial condition.

 

F-11



 

PLC SYSTEMS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

December 31, 2008

 

3.             Inventories

 

Inventories consist of the following at December 31 (in thousands):

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Raw materials

 

$

573

 

$

560

 

Work in process

 

154

 

151

 

Finished goods

 

409

 

141

 

 

 

$

1,136

 

$

852

 

 

At December 31, 2008 and 2007, inventories are stated net of a specific obsolescence allowance of $808,000 and $524,000, respectively.

 

4.             Equipment, Furniture and Leasehold Improvements

 

Equipment, furniture and leasehold improvements consist of the following at December 31 (in thousands):

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Equipment

 

$

1,203

 

$

1,220

 

Office furniture and fixtures

 

218

 

218

 

Leasehold improvements

 

349

 

349

 

 

 

1,770

 

1,787

 

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

1,610

 

1,518

 

 

 

$

160

 

$

269

 

 

Depreciation expense was $104,000 and $98,000 for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

5.             Stockholders’ Equity

 

At December 31, 2008, there were 7,774,000 shares of authorized but unissued common stock reserved for issuance under the Company’s stock option plans and employee stock purchase plan.

 

The Company has unlimited authorized shares of preferred stock. The Board of Directors is authorized to fix designations, relative rights, preferences and limitations in the preferred stock at the time of issuance.

 

The Company has never declared nor paid dividends on any of its capital stock and does not expect to do so in the foreseeable future.

 

6.      Stock Based Compensation

 

Stock Option Plans

 

In May 2005, the Company’s shareholders approved the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”).  The 2005 Plan has replaced the 1997 Executive Stock Option Plan, 2000 Equity Incentive Plan, 2000 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan and 2000 Non-Qualified Performance and Retention Equity Plan (collectively, the “Previous Plans”), under which no further awards can be granted.

 

F-12



 

PLC SYSTEMS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

December 31, 2008

 

On June 18, 2008, the Company’s shareholders approved an amendment increasing the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the 2005 Plan by an additional 2,000,000 shares.  The number of stock options that may be granted under the 2005 Plan is now equal to 4,156,175 shares of common stock (subject to adjustment in the event of stock splits and other similar events), plus such number of shares as may become available under the Previous Plans after the date of the adoption of the 2005 Plan, which may not exceed 2,535,492 additional shares.  Incentive stock options are issuable only to employees of the Company, while non-qualified stock options may be issued to non-employee directors, consultants and others, as well as to employees. The options granted under the Previous Plans and the 2005 Plan become exercisable either immediately upon grant, or ratably over one to four years from the date of grant, and expire ten years from the date of grant.  Under the 2005 Plan, the per share exercise price of incentive stock options may not be less than the fair market value of the common stock on the date the option is granted.  The 2005 Plan provides that the Company may not grant non-qualified stock options at an exercise price less than 85% of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock.

 

The Company grants stock options to its non-employee directors. Generally, new non-employee directors receive an initial grant of an option to purchase 30,000 shares of the Company’s common stock that vests in installments over three years.  Once the initial grant has fully vested, non-employee directors (other than the Chairman of the Board) receive an annual grant of an option to purchase 15,000 shares of the Company’s common stock that generally vests in four equal quarterly installments. The Chairman of the Board receives an annual grant of an option to purchase 30,000 shares of the Company’s common stock that generally vests in four equal quarterly installments. All such options have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.

 

Options granted during 2008 and 2007 vest ratably annually over a three year period for employees and ratably quarterly over a one year period for non-employee directors.

 

The following is a summary of option activity under all plans (in thousands, except per option data):

 

 

 

Number
of Options

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 

Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

 

Outstanding, December 31, 2006

 

4,767

 

$

1.05

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

618

 

0.64

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(13

)

0.47

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

(8

)

0.75

 

 

 

 

 

Expired

 

(66

)

4.74

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding, December 31, 2007

 

5,298

 

$

0.96

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

549

 

0.37

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited

 

(70

)

0.58

 

 

 

 

 

Expired

 

(278

)

5.22

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding, December 31, 2008

 

5,499

 

$

0.69

 

5.43

 

 

Exercisable, December 31, 2008

 

4,531

 

$

0.73

 

4.71

 

 

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Intrinsic value of options exercised during the year

 

 

$

2

 

Total fair value of shares vested during the year

 

$

189

 

$

124

 

 

F-13



 

PLC SYSTEMS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

December 31, 2008

 

The following table summarizes unvested option activity during the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007:

 

 

 

Number
of
Options

 

Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

 

 

 

(In thousands, except weighted
average data)

 

Unvested, December 31, 2006

 

531

 

$

0.51

 

Granted

 

618

 

0.44

 

Vested

 

(251

)

0.50

 

Forfeited

 

(3

)

0.50

 

Unvested, December 31, 2007

 

895

 

$

0.47

 

Granted

 

549

 

0.25

 

Vested

 

(425

)

0.45

 

Forfeited

 

(51

)

0.40

 

Unvested, December 31, 2008

 

968

 

$

0.35

 

 

SFAS No. 123R

 

The Company records stock based compensation pursuant to SFAS No. 123R.  The Company recorded compensation expense of $204,000 and $169,000 in the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  As of December 31, 2008, the Company had $236,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to its unvested options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.4 years.

 

The weighted average fair value of options issued during the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 were estimated using the Black-Scholes model.

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Expected life (years)

 

5.50-6.00

 

5.50-6.00

 

Interest rate

 

2.92-3.55

%

4.62-5.20

%

Volatility

 

63.9-73.6

%

74.7-77.4

%

Expected dividend yield

 

None

 

None

 

Value of option granted

 

$0.22-0.27

 

$0.43-0.45

 

 

The expected life was calculated in 2008 and 2007 using the simplified method. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant for the expected term period.  Expected volatility is based exclusively on historical volatility data of the Company’s common stock.  The Company estimates an expected forfeiture rate based on its historical forfeiture activity.  Actual results, and future changes in estimates, may differ substantially from the Company’s current estimates.

 

Stock Purchase Plan

 

The Company has a 2000 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Purchase Plan”) for all eligible employees whereby shares of the Company’s common stock may be purchased at six-month intervals at 95% of the average of the closing bid and ask prices of the Company’s common stock on the last business day of the relevant plan period.  Employees may purchase shares having a value not exceeding 10% of their gross compensation during an offering period, subject to certain additional limitations.  Under the Purchase Plan, employees of the Company purchased

 

F-14



 

PLC SYSTEMS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

December 31, 2008

 

21,612 shares of common stock in 2008 and 5,179 shares of common stock in 2007 at average prices of $0.08 and $0.47 per share, respectively.  At December 31, 2008, 294,461 shares were reserved for future issuance under the Purchase Plan.

 

7.             Commitments

 

Lease Commitments

 

The Company leases its corporate office under an operating lease agreement that expires in August 2009. In addition to the minimum lease payments, the agreement requires payment of the Company’s pro-rata share of property taxes and building operating expenses.

 

As of December 31, 2008, future minimum lease payments are estimated to be as follows (in thousands):

 

Year

 

Future Minimum
Lease Payments

 

2009

 

$

176

 

 

Total rent expense was $253,000 in both 2008 and 2007.

 

Bonus Commitment

 

The Company has a bonus plan for substantially all employees calculated based on predetermined Company milestones and targets.  The Board of Directors has the discretion to adjust the bonus amounts prior to approval and payment. At December 31, 2008 and 2007, $16,000 and $277,000 of bonuses were accrued on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

8.             Income Taxes

 

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets as of December 31 are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Net U.S. operating loss carryforwards

 

$

21,333

 

$

20,747

 

Net foreign operating loss carryforwards

 

417

 

451

 

Accrued expenses and reserves

 

774

 

735

 

Tax credits

 

1,273

 

1,170

 

Other

 

1,561

 

1,797

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total deferred tax assets

 

25,358

 

24,900

 

Valuation allowance

 

(25,358

)

(24,900

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net deferred tax assets

 

$

 

$

 

 

The valuation allowance increased by approximately $458,000 in 2008 primarily due to a net loss and the reversal of temporary differences associated with deferred revenue in 2008. The Company recorded the valuation allowance due to the uncertainty of the realizability of the related net deferred tax asset of $25,358,000.

 

F-15



 

PLC SYSTEMS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

December 31, 2008

 

Loss before taxes consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Domestic

 

$

(1,789

)

$

(1,948

)

Foreign

 

(151

)

(419

)

 

 

$

(1,940

)

$

(2,367

)

 

Benefit from income taxes computed at the federal statutory rate differ from amounts provided as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Statutory income tax benefit

 

$

660

 

$

805

 

Unbenefited U.S. losses

 

(539

)

(648

)

Unbenefited foreign losses

 

(51

)

(143

)

Benefit from income taxes

 

$

70

 

$

14

 

 

At December 31, 2008, the Company had U.S. net operating loss carryforwards available to reduce future taxable income of approximately $53 million, which expire at various dates through 2028.  At December 31, 2008, $93,000 of federal and state net operating loss carryforwards related to deductions for stock option compensation for which the associated tax benefit will be credited to additional paid in capital when realized.  At December 31, 2008, the Company had federal and state research and development credit carryforwards of $784,000 and $489,000, respectively, which will expire at various dates through 2028 for federal income tax purposes and through 2023 for state income tax purposes.  In addition, the Company had foreign net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $1,044,000.

 

Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, certain substantial changes in the Company’s ownership may limit the amount of net operating loss carryforwards that can be utilized in any one year to offset future taxable income.  Any carryforwards that will expire prior to utilization as the result of any limitations will be removed from deferred tax assets with a corresponding reduction of the valuation allowance. Due to the existence of the valuation allowance, future changes in the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits will not impact its effective tax rate.

 

At December 31, 2007, the Company maintained a reserve of $70,000 for certain identified income tax exposure.  During the year ended December 31, 2008, the reserve was reversed, as it was no longer required for the specific tax exposure.  As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits was $0.  The Company’s policy is to record estimated interest and penalties related to the underpayment of income taxes as a component of its income tax provision.  As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company had no accrued interest or tax penalties recorded.

 

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in several state and foreign jurisdictions. For U.S. federal and state tax purposes, the tax years 2005 through 2007 remain open to examination.  In addition, the amount of the Company’s federal and state net operating loss carryforwards may be subject to examination and adjustment. The open examination periods for the Company’s foreign jurisdictions range from 1998 through 2007.

 

F-16



 

PLC SYSTEMS INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

December 31, 2008

 

9.             Segment Information

 

The Company operates in one industry segment - the development, manufacture and sale of medical lasers and related products. Net sales to unaffiliated customers (by origin) are summarized below (in thousands):

 

 

 

North
America

 

Europe

 

Total

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

4,550

 

$

780

 

$

5,330

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net sales

 

$

5,817

 

$

187

 

$

6,004

 

 

All of the Company’s long-lived assets are located in North America.

 

F-17



 

Schedule II

 

PLC SYSTEMS INC.

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

 

Description

 

Balance at
Beginning
of Period

 

Additions
Charged
(Credited) to
Costs and
Expenses

 

Deductions

 

Balance at
End of
Period

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2008 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

$

23,000

 

$

10,000

 

$

13,000

 

$

20,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2007 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

$

51,000

 

$

(8,000

)

$

20,000

 

$

23,000

 

 

S-1



 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit Number

 

Description of Document

3.1

 

Articles of Continuance, pursuant to the Yukon Business Corporations Act, as amended, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

 

3.2

 

By-Law No. 1, a By-Law relating generally to the transaction of the business and affairs of PLC Systems Inc., incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999, as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

 

4.1

 

Form of Common Stock Certificate, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s registration statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 33-48340) and amendments thereto, as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

 

10.1#

 

1993 Stock Option Plan, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s registration statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 33-58258) and amendments thereto, as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

 

10.2#

 

1993 Formula Stock Option Plan, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s registration statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 33-58258) and amendments thereto, as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

 

10.3#

 

1995 Stock Option Plan, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s registration statement on Form S-8 (SEC File No. 33-95168), as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

 

10.4#

 

1997 Executive Stock Option Plan, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1997, as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

 

10.5#

 

2000 Non-qualified Performance and Retention Equity Plan, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

 

10.6#

 

2000 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

 

10.7#

 

2000 Equity Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

 

10.8#

 

Form of Stock Option Grant Letter to Employees of the Registrant under the Registrant’s 1995 Stock Option Plan, 1997 Executive Stock Option Plan, 2000 Equity Incentive Plan and 2000 Non-Qualified Performance and Retention Plan, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004, as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

 

10.9#

 

Form of Stock Option Grant Letter to Non-Employee Directors of the Registrant under the Registrant’s 1995 Stock Option Plan, 1997 Executive Stock Option Plan and 2000 Equity Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004, as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 



 

Exhibit Number

 

Description of Document

10.10#

 

2005 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s current report on Form  8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 23, 2008.

 

 

 

10.11#

 

Form of Stock Option Grant Letter for Employees of the Registrant under the Registrant’s 2005 Stock Incentive Plan used prior to June 18, 2008, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 24, 2005.

 

 

 

10.12#

 

Form of Stock Option Grant Letter for Employees of the Registrant under the Registrant’s 2005 Stock Incentive Plan used beginning June 18, 2008, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 23, 2008.

 

 

 

10.13#

 

Form of Stock Option Grant Letter for Non-Employee Directors of the Registrant under the Registrant’s 2005 Stock Incentive Plan used prior to June 18, 2008, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 24, 2005.

 

 

 

10.14#

 

Form of Stock Option Grant Letter for Non-Employee Directors of the Registrant under the Registrant’s 2005 Stock Incentive Plan used beginning June 18, 2008, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 23, 2008.

 

 

 

10.15#

 

Employment Agreement dated November 4, 1999 between PLC Medical Systems, Inc. and James G. Thomasch, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

 

10.16*#

 

Amendment dated June 18, 2008 to Employment Agreement between PLC Medical Systems, Inc. and James G. Thomasch.

 

 

 

10.17#

 

Employment Agreement dated December 22, 1999 between PLC Medical Systems, Inc. and Mark R. Tauscher, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

 

10.18*#

 

Amendment dated June 18, 2008 to Employment Agreement between PLC Medical Systems, Inc. and Mark R. Tauscher.

 

 

 

10.19#

 

Terms of Employment dated October 28, 2003 between PLC Medical Systems, Inc. and Dr. Robert I. Rudko, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

 

10.20#

 

Amendment dated March 15, 2005 to Terms of Employment between PLC Medical Systems, Inc. and Dr. Robert I. Rudko, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 17, 2005.

 

 

 

10.21*#

 

Modifications effective as of April 1, 2008 to Terms of Employment between PLC Medical Systems, Inc. and Dr. Robert I. Rudko.

 

 

 

10.22*#

 

Amendment dated June 18, 2008 to Terms of Employment between PLC Medical Systems, Inc. and Dr. Robert I. Rudko.

 

 

 

10.23+

 

Distribution Agreement, dated January 9, 2001, by and among the Registrant, PLC Medical Systems, Inc. and Edwards Lifesciences LLC, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 



 

Exhibit Number

 

Description of Document

10.24

 

Shareholders Agreement, dated January 9, 2001, by and between the Registrant and Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2001, as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

 

10.25+

 

Distribution Agreement by and among the Registrant, PLC Medical Systems, Inc. and Edwards Lifesciences LLC dated February 24, 2004, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

 

10.26+

 

Contribution, Development and Manufacturing Agreement by and among the Registrant, PLC Medical Systems, Inc. and Edwards Lifesciences LLC dated as of February 24, 2004, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

 

10.27

 

First Amendment to Distribution Agreement entered into as of February 24, 2004 by and among Edwards Lifesciences LLC, the Registrant and PLC Medical Systems, Inc., incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

 

10.28

 

First Amendment to Shareholders Agreement entered into as of February 24, 2004 by and between Edwards Lifesciences Corporation and the Registrant, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

 

10.29+

 

Supply Agreement, dated March 9, 2006, by and among the Registrant, PLC Medical Systems, Inc. and Edwards Lifesciences LLC, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

 

10.30+

 

Letter Agreement, dated March 9, 2006, between the Registrant, PLC Medical Systems, Inc. and Edwards Lifesciences LLC, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

 

10.31

 

Second Amendment to Shareholders Agreement, dated April 6, 2006, by and among the Registrant and Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

 

10.32+

 

Distribution Agreement, dated March 20, 2007, by and among the Registrant, PLC Medical Systems, Inc., Novadaq Technologies Inc. and Novadaq Corp., incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

 

10.33

 

Letter Agreement, dated March 20, 2007, by and among the Registrant, PLC Medical Systems, Inc. and Edwards Lifesciences LLC, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007, as previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

 

10.34*#

 

Compensatory Arrangements with Executive Officers.

 

 

 

10.35*#

 

Compensatory Arrangements with Non-Employee Directors.

 

 

 

10.36*#

 

Severance Arrangements with Executive Officers.

 



 

Exhibit Number

 

Description of Document

21.1*

 

Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

 

 

 

23.1*

 

Consent of Vitale, Caturano & Company, P.C.

 

 

 

31.1*

 

Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

31.2*

 

Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

32.1*

 

Certifications pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 


*

 

Filed with this annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

 

 

+

 

Confidential treatment requested as to certain portions, which portions have been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

 

#

 

Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.